Run: 2026-09-23-01M37PAYWF3J79HGY6SBW3RC1J

The bell above the door jingled, and cinnamon-scented warmth swept out into the November chill. "You're late. The scones have been out of the oven for ten minutes." "Sorry. I stopped by the library. Did you hear? Someone returned Mrs. Pemberton's copy of *Rebecca*." "So? People return books every day." "Not books that have been missing since the night she died. Not books with a pressed violet tucked inside." "Violets. Like the ones Harold grows behind the hardware store?" "Exactly like those. Now pass me a scone before I faint." "Blueberry or lemon?" "Lemon. Always lemon. Honestly, how long have we been friends?" "Long enough to know you're not telling me everything. You've got flour on your sleeve, and you haven't been anywhere near my counter." "Fine. I also stopped by the Grange Hall kitchen. The back door was unlocked." "You didn't." "Someone had been baking in there. At midnight, according to the oven log." "Nobody bakes at midnight except me." "I know. That's what worries me." "Are you saying someone's trying to frame me?" "I'm saying you should hide your recipe box. And maybe lock your door tonight." "Take another scone. We're going to need our strength."